How to select a British Shorthair?

The British Shorthair is one of the largest breeds of domestic cats and one of the oldest known breeds in Britain. The cats of this breed are wonderful and loving pets. They do not require specialized grooming and are easy to care for, although they are fairly uncommon, so you may need to purchase your British Shorthair directly from a breeder. Read the article below to learn how to select a British Shorthair cat.

First of all, you should understand the breed's temperament and make sure that the British Shorthair would fit in with your family. The British Shorthair is relatively reserved when compared to other pet breeds. They are affectionate, but not too demanding of your attention. The British Shorthair is very easygoing, and can be playful but is not usually destructive if left alone. They usually get along well with children and other pets. Commit to the breed's requirements. The British Shorthair breed has short hair that does not tangle or mat easily, making it a good choice for those who do not want a high-maintenance breed. Although a British Shorthair may show up in a shelter or rescue from time to time, if you have your heart set on a purebred British Shorthair, you'll probably have to purchase one from a breeder. Click here to learn more about this cat breed.

Once you are decided to buy a British Shorthair kitten and introduce it to your family, start your research by finding a responsible breeder who will guarantee that your British Shorthair is in good health and doesn't have feline leukemia virus (FeLV) or feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). Pick up and hold the cat or kitten to check for good muscle tone and make sure that the cat isn't sneezing or sniffling. Also your cat's eyes shouldn't have any discharge and that the ears should be clean and pink inside. Examine your cat's fur. It should be either long or short but always soft and silky. Check for fleas behind the ears and at the base of the tail - flea dirt, which looks like black sand, is a sure sign. When buying a cat, get a written sales agreement from the breeder that provides the breeder's health guarantee. The next step is to take your British Shorthair to your veterinarian as soon as possible to confirm that the cat is healthy. Plan to keep your British shorthair inside and to have the cat neutered or spayed. Vets say it's the best way to keep cats happy and disease-free and to prolong their lives.

It is important to remember about the ethic... Never take home a kitten younger than 12 weeks of age. You can check on more details in our article dedicated to this issue here.